"You don't ever want to lose anybody, but Vick is going through what he went through last year, realizing that you can rehab and you can come back. That's only going to help him get through this set of circumstances."

Ballard, a 2012 fifth-round draft pick, led the team in rushing as a rookie with 814 yards.

However, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in non-contact drills in a Sept. 12 practice that ended his season. Ballard endured the second season-ending, non-contact injury in 10 months during his first practice following a long rehabilitation period.

"As a family and as an organization, we've got Vick's back," Pagano said. "We're going to help him every step of the way to make sure he gets back 100 percent and get him back on the football field a year from now."

The loss of Ballard cuts deep into what was expected to be a position of strength in 2014. It increases the pressure on Trent Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw to carry the load.

Richardson is being held out of practice due to an unspecified injury to his left leg while Bradshaw is trying to come back after missing the bulk of 2013 following neck surgery.

The other running backs on the roster include Chris Rainey and Daniel "Boom" Herron, who have combined for 35 carries.

The Colts likely will add a running back to take Ballard's spot on the roster.

"Ryan (Grigson, general manager) and I are discussing the roster mechanics as we speak," Pagano said. "We'll make a decision, check and see who's available and what's best for the team and what gives us the best chance to win and see if we need the legs there to help us get through camp and try to get someone in here who actually has an opportunity to make the roster."